Almathera selects IBA to equip Kazakhstan’s first private radiopharmacy and theranostics complex with Cyclone® KIUBE 300
Cyclone® KIUBE 300 technology will enable diverse radioisotope production for underserved Central Asian market
Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, November 18, 2024 – IBA (Ion Beam Applications S.A.), the world leader in particle accelerator technology, today announces it has signed a contract with Almathera to supply and install a Cyclone® KIUBE 300 cyclotron, equipped with a beamline, at its planned radiopharmacy and theranostics complex in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Poised to become the first private facility of its kind in Kazakhstan, the project will be located in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) “Park of Innovation Technologies”, strategically positioned to serve as a theranostics hub enhancing oncology services in Central Asia.
The Almathera complex, designed to meet GMP EU standards, will specialize in the production and distribution of a comprehensive range of medical isotopes, including Fluorine-18, Copper-64, Zirconium-89, and Gallium-68, addressing the growing regional demand for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic applications. The installation of the Cyclone® KIUBE 300, which typically ranges in price from EUR 2.5 million to EUR 5 million depending on configuration and options, will mark a significant milestone, with the launch anticipated by Q1 2027.
Charles Kumps, President of IBA RadioPharma Solutions, commented: “This contract with Almathera represents a significant milestone in expanding access to essential medical isotopes across Central Asia. The versatility of our Cyclone® KIUBE 300 technology will enable Almathera to produce and distribute a wide range of high-quality radioisotopes in the region.”
Abay Zakaryanov, Co-Founder of Almathera, and Daur Tussupov, Managing Partner, stated jointly: “Partnering with IBA is a pivotal step toward realizing our vision for radiopharmaceutical advancement in Kazakhstan. Together, we are establishing a GxP-compliant, open-platform facility designed to support contract development and manufacturing across a spectrum of theranostics applications, creating valuable opportunities for collaboration and advancing healthcare access in Central Asia.”
Almathera has secured substantial support from its financial partner, Fonte Health Sciences Fund OEIC Limited, with Principals Ruslan and Zhasulan Adilbaev emphasizing the importance of this investment. Ruslan Adilbaev remarked: “Our fund is strategically aligned with life science ventures that offer both innovative solutions and positive societal impact. Almathera is a cornerstone investment, not only for its potential to transform theranostics in Central Asia but also for its long-term value in addressing critical healthcare challenges. This project is integral to advancing cancer treatment and further strengthening our life sciences portfolio.”
The Cyclone® KIUBE is one of the most advanced cyclotrons available. It is known for its upgradability, compact design, high efficiency, and the ability to produce a wide variety of radioisotopes, making it ideal for both research and commercial production. The Cyclone® KIUBE is well-suited for producing a wide range of PET radioisotopes including Fluorine-18, Gallium-68, Zirconium-89, Carbon-11, and others, used in the diagnosis and monitoring of various medical conditions including cancer and neurological disorders.